Queen's Head

Nooks and crannies, a log fire throughout the year, and low beams stuffed with old pennies by farmers on their way home from market all help to make this smart 17th-century coaching inn hard to beat in the traditional English inn stakes. It stands in the lovely undulating valley of Troutbeck which, bordered by impressive fells criss-crossed by footpaths, is a real magnet for ramblers. But you don't have to wear walking boots to enjoy the food or drink, or the comfortable accommodation in bedrooms with delightfully uneven walls and four-poster beds in the original building, and in the beautifully transformed old barn. And, while on the subject of four-posters, there's one in the bar; in fact, it is the bar, although it once saw service in Appleby Castle. Look below bar counter level at the striking carved panelling while ordering a pint of Hartley's XB or Robinson's Old Tom. The chef and his team's reputation for accomplished cooking is widely recognised for their menus of interestingly prepared international dishes, with typical first courses of home-made black pudding with rösti potato, poached egg, English mustard sauce and pancetta; and Garstang Blue cheese mousse with crispy apple Tatin and beetroot salad. Main courses of note - and there are many - include beer-braised brisket cottage pie; locally sourced steamed lamb and cockle pudding; fish mixed grill with crab fondue; and wild mushroom and buttered spinach home-made macaroni. The cast list continues with desserts of steamed lemon sponge with honey and whisky syrup; sticky toffee pudding; and a selection of local cheeses. Well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed on the slated area in the bar, and in two of the guest rooms in the annexe. Toys and games are available for young children in the bar and restaurant area.